In this episode of The Regenerative Way, I sit down with Dimitri Syrris to explore the intersection of technology, conservation, and community-led environmental stewardship. As the founder of Baotree, Dimitri is helping shape a future where sustainability action and social impact are built on trust, participation, and relationships with local communities.

Our conversation moves far beyond technology and conservation frameworks. We dive into Dimitri’s upbringing and the experiences that shaped his worldview - from living in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Botswana, and Kenya, to the pivotal moments throughout his life that deepened his understanding of people, place, and the interconnectedness of ecological and social systems. These experiences became the foundation for his passion to build innovative, community-driven models capable of addressing some of the world’s most complex socio-ecological challenges.

Grounded in deep experience across African ecosystems and informed by a global perspective, Dimitri shares how participatory data collection, inclusive conservation practices, and collaborative innovation are redefining what sustainability can look like on the ground. We also explore the importance of storytelling, systems thinking, and why meaningful conservation work must be rooted in the people and places it aims to serve.